Knee-deep snow, the brilliance of white sparkling in the sun, the frozen lakes, and the icy mist on the trees; everything about winters is so breathtaking.
Also, it's high-time you pegged your best friend in the back with a massive snowball.
If you like everything about winters, the time has come to plan your winter trek for the coming season. The mountains summon all nature-lovers with their beauty, something that only increases in the depths of winter.
So you know you want to go, just not sure where you should go trekking this winter season?
Here are top winter treks for you:
1.) Brahmatal trek
At 12,600 feet, you will find yourself reaching for those peaks with your hand because that's how close they appear from the Brahmatal Summit. You get a chance to camp along the dazzling glacial lake under a million stars. What else could you wish for?
Number of days: 5 days
Price: INR 10,550/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 12,600 ft.
Region: Lohajung, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: Trishul, Nandaghunti, Chowkhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi, and Ghoda peaks
2.) Chadar Trek
Need I say anything about the most sought-after trek in Leh? Walking on frozen ice bed is fun and thrilling. The captivating views of the Nerak Falls and the beautiful river flowing under the sheet of ice are a perfect mixture of serenity and adventure.
Number of days: 9 days
Price: INR 24,250/-
Grade: Moderate-Difficult
Altitude: 11,200 ft
Region: Leh, Ladakh
3.) Goecha La Trek
Trekking in Sikkim and that too in winters is an altogether different experience than trekking in North. The trial of the Goecha La trek is one of it's kind. From the lush green forests to the snow-laden campsites, this trek gives you a chance to experience nature at its best. The varies flora and fauna on this trek are also eye-catching.
Number of days: 9 days
Price: INR 18,750/-
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 16,207 ft
Region: Yuksom, Sikkim
Peaks visible: Mt. Pandim and the entire Kanchenjunga range.
4.) Kedarkantha Trek
The 'Queens of Winter Treks', Kedarkantha is a popular choice for the trekkers and beginners. The perfect campsites and the mesmerizing views along with the experience of the summit is something one only finds on the trail of Kedarkantha. This trek is the perfect choice for those who want to venture into the world of winter hiking.
Number of days: 5 days
Price: INR 10550/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 12,500 ft
Region: Sankri, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Black Peak and Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kinner Kailash mountain ranges.
5.) Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass means the doorway to heaven. And boy, does it live up to its name? The trail of the trek is so beautiful that you'd be in no hurry to reach the top. The beautiful snow-laden peaks visible from the trail along the amazing flora and fauna make the trek almost perfect.
Number of days: 5 days
Price: INR 10,550/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 12,716 ft.
Region: Joshimath, Uttrakhand
Peaks visible: Chaukhamba, Mt. Kamet, Neelkantha and Bhagirathi 1,2,3
6.) Har ki Dun
Har ki Dun s a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. The valley is surrounded by dense Pine forests and offers views of glittering mountain peaks. Not just the trail, the campsites of this trek are also very pretty. You will find yourself a beautiful and quiet place.
Number of days: 5 days
Price: INR 10800/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 11,482 ft
Region: Sankri, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: Swargarohini and Jaundar Glacier, Bandar Punch
7.) Nag Tibba Winter Trek
Nearest trek to Delhi. Fit for kids and beginners. Short and budget-friendly. This trek is ideal for all those who do not have many ties on hands and want a complete experience of a trek. The trail has lush green surroundings and snow too. Need I say more?
Number of days: 3 days
Price: INR 4,500/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 3,002 m
Region: Pantwari, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Black Peak
8.) Panwali Kantha Trek
One of the most beautiful treks, Panwali Kantha Trek provides you with one of the rarest views of the complete range of Yamnotri- Gangotri- Kedarnath- Badrinath mountain peaks. Along with these mesmerizing views, you get to cross seven bugyals or meadows and if you are lucky enough, you might happen to come across the rare blue mountain goat.
Number of days: 4 days
Price: INR 14,000/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 11,500 ft
Region: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: Complete range of Yamnotri- Gangotri- Kedarnath- Badrinath mountain peaks
9.) Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal is perhaps one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in India. The meadow stretches out far and wide. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathtaking. Situated at an elevation of about 3750 m, this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty. The trek goes through open stretches and dense forest at different places. In winters the meadows are covered with snow & look extremely beautiful.
Number of days: 4 days
Price: INR 6,800/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 12,300 ft
Region: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: DKD, Bandarpunch
10.) Pangarchulla Peak Trek
The Pangarchulla Peak is a mighty peak in the Uttarakhand at 14,700 ft which is no small feat to conquer. Giving you stunning views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Mt. Dronagiri, Mt. Garud and many more astonishing visuals all throughout the trail, this trek will test your endurance and push your limits. This trek is perfect for those looking to move up a notch with some of the most stunning trekkable peaks of the Himalayas.
Number of days: 6 days
Price: INR 10,350/-
Grade: Difficult
Altitude: 4,481 m
Region: Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Peaks visible: Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Mana, Hathi, Ghodi, Bertholi
11.) Markha Valley Winter Trek
Easily the most overlooked trek in Ladakh, the Markha Valley Winter Trek can be considered as Chadar 2.0. You get to walk on a frozen river, trek through snow-laden trails, stay in traditional homestays and enjoy some of the world's most pristine landscapes in the heart of Winter. A culturally steeped trail for those who wish to explore the more offbeat trails.
Number of days: 9 days
Price: INR 25,000/-
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 4,050 m
Region: Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Peaks visible: Kang Yatse 1 & 2, Dzo Jongo, Stok Kangri
12.) Spiti Winter Homestay Trail
Explore the celestial beauty of Spiti Winters when the entire valley is glistening white covered with snow as you trek from one village to the other experiencing the lifestyle of the locals in some of the harshest and highest villages in Asia. Trek from Kibber to Komic through rugged terrains, a cascade of highlands flanked by mighty mountains with temperatures plummeting to -25 deg. celsius.
Number of days: 10 days
Price: INR 25,000/-
Grade: Easy
Altitude: 4,450 m
Region: Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Peaks visible: Kanamo, Chau-Chau Kang Nilda, Mt. Gya
PC: B G Baliga Photography
13.) Khopra Ridge Trek
Unarguably one of the most underrated treks in Nepal, the Khopra Ridge Trek is a hidden gem located in the Annapurna Conservation Area which gives you epic views of 23 Himalayan Summits, a rhododendron abundant trail, a thrilling ridge walk, and an almost zero-crowded trail. With 3 stunning milestones such as Poon Hill, Muldai Top and Khopra Ridge itself, this trek is the perfect winter trek in Nepal for both novice and experienced trekkers.
Number of days: 8 days
Price: INR 27,950/-
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 3,900 m
Region: Nepal
Peaks visible: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri
14.) Sham Valley Trek
Dubbed as the "Baby Trek of Ladakh", the Sham Valley trek is ideal for beginners, families and experienced trekkers who wish to explore the traditional villages of Ladakh. Located between the fantastic monasteries of Lamayuru and Alchi, the Sham valley Trek has a charm of its own which sets it apart from any other trek in Ladakh.
Number of days: 4 days
Price: INR 12,850/-
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 3,875 m
Region: Ladakh
Peaks visible: Stok Kangri, Zanskar Range
15.) Snow Leopard Trek
In search of the elusive big cat - the Snow Leopard, we take you to the snow-covered highlands and mountains of Ladakh and Spiti in peak winters when the chances of Snow Leopard sighting is at an all-time high. Trek in search of this legendary and ferocious yet beautiful creature along with other exotic mammals in a once in a lifetime experience of Snow Leopard Trek.
Number of days: 10 days
Price: INR 40,000/-
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 4,300 m
Region: Ladakh and Spiti
So, with this list of winter trek and proper tips and tricks about winter hiking, you can plan your next winter trek with ease.
Bachchan Ji’s “keh diya na, bas keh diya” doesn’t apply here. If you’re keen on something particular then contact us. What are you waiting for? Make up your mind and plan it with your squad.
